It was a battle of royale was exhibited when students and pupils from various schools faced off at the inaugural Cheptigit Junior Cross Challenge in search of 2026 academic year school fees.
At the Complete Sports Ground in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, Kelvin Kiptoo and Ivone Jebet were crowned the champions of the secondary school level to earn school fees that will be paid by the Germany Embassy in collaboration with Complete Sports Training Camp.
Kiptoo, a form three student at the Ngenyilel Tarit High school, 8km secondary school title after cutting the tape in 30:05.0 ahead of Abel Kiptoo (31:59.9) from Sosiot School before Noah Kipkemboi from Tendwo completed the podium at 32:07.0.
Kiptoo said that earning a whole year school fees will be beneficial to his education since most of the time he misses classes and training sessions after being sent home for school fees.
“This win is not just for me but the whole family that has been relieved from fees burden. It has not been easy for me. I have been struggling not just in class but training too because if I’m send home, there is no way for me to train,” said Kiptoo who reached Rift Valley Region Secondary school.
Jebet from Tendwo School won the 6km secondary school category after cutting the tape at 22:57.0 beating Cheptigit’s Damaris Jebiwott who came second at 23:00.5 with Sharon Kiplagat, also from Tendwo came third at 23:21.3
“I came here with clean mind of winning, which I have managed. It has been a good journey for me and this is a replica of what I will be doing come next year,” she said.
Brian Kosgey from Kipsinende and Mitchelle Jepngetich were primary school winners in 4km and 2km boys and girls.
The grade nine student, Kosgey won the boys title in 12:26.0 relegating Cheptigit’s Emmanuel Kiptoo to second and Kelvin Kipkosgey after timing 13:05.5 and 13:11.5 respectively.
Jepngetich from Kiluka clocked 7:41 to win the 2km girls title ahead of Abigael Rotich of Cheptigit who was second in 7:54 and Kiluka’s Cynthia Jeruto’s 7:55
The event was attended by Germany Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, who apllouded the young athletes for their resilience and determination in their career.
“This is a clear show that Kenya is talented in terms of athletics. In partnership with Kenya, Germany will help in improving sports across the board,” said Groth who will be sponsoring the Berlin Marathon watch party in Eldoret on Sunday September 21st.
Winners in each category earned a full year or three term fees payment, second placed only earned two terms while third placed managed to secure one term fee clearance